Share
Preview
Quarterly insights for our most generous supporters.
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Subscribe to the Spark
Dear ,

As hundreds of students courageously begin their VOBS summer adventures in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), the St. Croix Riverway and on the Superior Hiking Trail, we want to thank you for helping make these life-changing experiences possible. In March, we were excited to share our Equity, Inclusion and Diversity commitments with you as we boldly strive toward equity in access to programs, employment opportunities and outcomes for all. Your continued support advances this, and other, important work.

One of the pillars of our curriculum is COURAGE: catalyzing strengths to take on challenges and risks. We proudly salute several courageous difference makers in this edition of The Spark. We celebrate outstanding instructor Benji Blumenstock who received the Lt. Col. Mark Weber Service Above Self Award, a recognition in memory of an extraordinarily courageous and humble U.S. Army veteran and VOBS alum, instructor and champion. We lift up VOBS alum, instructor, board member and donor Jerry Rosen who has taken lessons from Outward Bound to guide him through some of his most challenging life circumstances. May these individuals and their stories spark your imagination and remind you of the power of VOBS to make a positive impact.

It’s only with YOU–our most generous supporters–that VOBS can continue to build the resilient and compassionate world of our dreams. You inspire us every day.
Jack Lee
Executive Director
Voyageur Outward Bound School
Cindy Holker
Chair
Voyageur Outward Bound School Board of Directors
 
STAFF WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Instructor Benji Blumenstock Receives VOBS Service Award

Benji on course with Democracy Prep Students in Big Bend, TX, Spring 2022.
Homeplace instructor Benji Blumenstock has received the Lt. Col. Mark Weber Service Above Self Award*. Benji was nominated by his VOBS peers for exemplary service and dedication to Outward Bound’s mission. The award, named for the late Army Lt. Col. Mark Weber, recognizes staff members who lead with the highest standards of ethics, courage, perseverance, humility and service to community.

Benji, at 25 years young, is already cultivating many of these admirable qualities. A VOBS alum and current full-time instructor, he recently celebrated five years of service at Homeplace and in Texas. He says his stand out experiences include 50-day Intercept courses with young adults who are facing serious life challenges.

Among his peers, Benji is known as a thoughtful and welcoming member of the community and someone who truly lives Outward Bound values. One peer who nominated Benji wrote, “He can be found helping put on events in the community, staying after to help clean up, and having deep conversations or being a listening ear. He truly loves and believes in Outward Bound and goes above and beyond what is expected in curriculum design, student and staff relationships, and community involvement.”

Benji was humbled and grateful to receive the Weber Award. “It feels unexpected and sweet to be appreciated in this way,” he remarked. Congratulations, Benji!

*One additional staff awardee from the Twin Cities Center will be announced in August and featured in an upcoming edition of The Spark.
CARRY IT FORWARD
A TOUCHSTONE TO FACE LIFE'S CHALLENGES
As a teenager in the early 1960's, in suburban Baltimore, Jerry Rosen was innately drawn to the outdoors. At 16, he boarded his first-ever flight to Minnesota and the unfamiliar wilderness. The experience ended up changing his life in profound ways.

Jerry went on to become a pediatrician, Outward Bound instructor, medical liaison, Safety Committee member, Board member and stalwart donor. Along the way, he and his wife Martha moved to Minnesota and raised their children on outdoor adventures in the BWCAW and beyond. When Jerry came upon extended and intense life challenges, he drew on important lessons from his VOBS experience to help him face the moment.
YOUR IMPACT
 
PROGRESS TO OUR 2022 FUNDRAISING GOAL
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
There’s a great way to double your impact! Many employers will match employees’ donations to eligible nonprofits like VOBS. Look up your company here and learn more. This is a simple way to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your gift as you support students s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g themselves on their Outward Bound course.

Questions? Please contact us at (651) 401-0632 or email Emily Hoover. Thank you for your generosity!

VOBSters IN ACTION
Thank you to former VOBS staffers Linda Ganister and Sue Duffy for opening their home on White Iron Lake for a fundraiser on June 4th. Former alumni, staff and friends gathered to raise more than $2,500 in scholarship funds to send an Ely-area resident on an Outward Bound course!
 
 
Our vision is a more resilient and compassionate world.

Please reach out to our Development Team with any questions:
Poppy Potter | Director of Development
Sara Richter | Development Engagement Manager
Emily Hoover | Development Associate
Jack Lee | Executive Director

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Click these links to explore more:
 
Facebook
 
Linkedin
 
Youtube
 
Instagram

Voyageur Outward Bound School
1650 Carroll Ave
St. Paul, MN 55104
United States


Click here to unsubscribe | Click here to update your info